Balat (and its neighbour, Fener) are brimming with fantastic cafes. They are two of the most colourful neighbourhoods in Istanbul, yet many visitors miss this area. So, if you’re planning a trip to Türkiye, put Fener and Balat on your list! Here are a few of my favourite cafes.
Here’s your guide to MUST-visit cafes in Istanbul’s Balat and Fener neighbourhoods.
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Why Visit Balat & Fener?
When visiting Istanbul, there are some must-visit spots, like the Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern.
But if you’re like me and want to explore local neighbourhoods, not just tourist hot spots, then it’s worth devoting some time to Balat and Fener.
Located along the Golden Horn on the European side of Istanbul, Fener and Balat were traditionally home to Jewish, Armenian, and Greek families for centuries.
Today, the charming neighbourhoods of Balat and Fener will lure you in with their colourful houses, sloping cobblestone streets, unique boutiques and cafes.
How to get to Balat
The easiest way to get to Balat is via the T5 tram from Eminönü (the tram stop is across the road from the Egyptian Spice Bazar). Head towards Alibeyköy and get off at the Balat (4th stop).
The most scenic way (and my favourite) is to take a ferry down the Golden Horn. Catch the ferry from the Karaköy Pier (Beyoğlu side) heading towards Eyüpsultan. Get off at Balat.
66 Stairs Cafe – Balat
66 Stairs Cafe is located on the corner of Çorbacı Çeşmesi Sok. and Merdivenli Yokuşu in Balat. Merdivenli Yokuşu is a steeply slanted cobblestone street with colourful houses and is a favourite photo spot.
While the cafe is simple inside, the owner and staff are super friendly, and it’s a good place to enjoy something sweet along with a Turkish coffee or tea.
Take your order outside and sit at the colourful tables on the stairs. This is an ideal place to people-watch.
LOCATION: 33 Çorbacı Çeşmesi Sok. Balat. HOURS: Tuesday – Sunday, 10 am – 6 pm.
Coffee Department – Ayvansaray
Are you a coffee lover? Then put the Coffee Department on your list! This cafe is more of a local spot and a little further down the street, but it is worth the walk!
The Coffee Department is super serious about their coffee. Not only will you get a delicious cup, but it will come with tasting notes and detailed product information.
While they offer some terrific lattes and flat whites, their focus is on drip coffee served in a cute glass carafe.
LOCATION: 5 Kürkçü Çeşmesi Sk. Ayvansaray. HOURS: Monday – Friday, 8 am – 6 pm. Saturday & Sunday 9 am – 7 pm.
Naftalin K Cafe – Fener
Istanbul is filled with cats, and many wander into shops and cafes around the city. But for some lucky cats, the Naftalin K Cafe is their home.
Entering this corner cafe feels like you’re in grandma’s kitchen: retro vinyl chairs, colourful crocheted tablecloths, and cat beds. But warning! Don’t visit if you’re NOT a cat lover, as these furry cuties will be lounging atop tables and on window sills.
The menu looks like a handwritten postcard and offers an array of coffees, grilled sandwiches, meatballs, soup, and Turkish ravioli. I always order a Turkish coffee and a plate of their adorable cat cookies.
LOCATION: 27/A5 Yıldırım Cd. Balat. HOURS: 9 am – 10:30 pm.
GenAntik Cafe – Balat
Enjoy your coffee in this quirky Balat cafe with a vintage vibe. When you spot the old-fashioned cherry-red car parked out front, you know you’ve found a hidden gem!
The GenAntik Cafe is dark and cozy, with teal walls, crystal chandeliers, and mismatched antique table sets.
There’s lots to look at while you wait for your coffee to brew: knick·knacks, a wall of ornate clocks and oodles of gilt-framed paintings.
The menu is small, mainly coffee and delicious cakes served on delicate floral china.
The server will create a photo-perfect table setting with a lacy tablecloth, a small vase with flowers and a candle.
I loved sitting amongst the vintage clutter, watching the world pass by while a tiny bird sang from its dangling cage.
This is such a cute cafe that I go back every time I’m in Istanbul.
LOCATION: 11b Hızır Çavuş Köprübaşı Sk. Balat. HOURS: 10 am – 10 pm.
Favourite Tour of Balat & Fener
While it’s possible to explore Balat on your own, if you prefer taking a tour, here’s one I enjoyed.
Fener, Balat, Old Greek and Jewish Quarter Tour starts at the famous and easy to find, Egyptian Spice Market.
The walking tour lasts 3 hours, and you’ll see all of its famous spots:
- Saint Stephen’s Orthodox Church, located on the waterfront and made entirely of iron.
- The red-bricked Fener Greek High School
- Streets full of colourful houses.
- And a few pit spots at Balat’s cafes.
Want to discover more cafes in Istanbul? Check out this post on 7 Amazing Cafes to Visit in Istanbul – Beyoğlu District.
